Jon Clarke (Publisher & Editor)THE future of the famous Marbella arch is hanging in the balance.
Seen by some as a throwback to the years of corruption enjoyed by disgraced mayor Jesus Gil and others, the structure’s days – currently being dismantled – may be numbered.
Marking the southern San Pedro entrance to the town, the arches are already being taken down as part of the A7’s new underpass.
“The Marbella Arch has been loved by residents and visitors since the early 1990s.
“It is part of the history and is an icon of Marbella.”
Although the bricks are being numbered, IU councillor Enrique Monterroso believes they must go for good, describing them as “symbols of corruption”.
Town taxi drivers are also removing the arch from their vehicle logos and replacing them with the town’s blue and white flag.
Some 80 per cent of the Taxi Sol association will be changing their decoration over the next three months.
But British photographer and resident Gary Edwards has launched a Facebook appeal called ‘Save the Marbella Arch’.
Already boasting 540 supporters Edwards insisted: “The Marbella Arch has been loved by residents and visitors since the early 1990s.
“It is part of the history and is an icon of Marbella.”
Built 18 years ago, the arch cost 720,000 euros.
Why not put a new one in saying “CORRUPTION”?
I liked the comment by one of your readers named Fred but of course that would be too near the truth. Build 18years ago most Expats would have been proud to stand and have their photo taken by the Marbella Arch now I would say there are a lot of people who are more concerned about their own bricks being pulled down around them which I may add through no fault of their own so but Im sure The Town Hall will sort out the Marbella Arch without any of our Expats support.
Mr Gary Edwards has put a appeal on facebook save the Marbella Arch maybe he should change that to Save the British Expats Homes which was caused because of the Spanish Corruption.and their greed
Why should The British Public or anyone else support Mr Edwards Apeal on Facebook when the Marbella Taxi Drivers will not even have the logo on their Taxi any more Why they say it is a reminder of the Corruption that has gone on in Marbella but then they are the normal hard working Spanish people and just want to earn a living like in UK
I do hope you note my comment as one thing we British Expats need here in Spain at this moment is support for issues which involves the British People trying to carry on living here ( i may add not by choice for most)but when I read your feature about the Marbella Arch needed to put in writing how I and many Expats are feeling here in Spain and the sun is not always a healer for many it been their downfall.
Yours faithfully
Catherine Neal
( yes British Expat Resident Marbella O.A.P.)
I did a quick mock-up. Look promising. I will send to Sr Monterroso for his comments:
http://yfrog.com/bgnewmarbellaarchp
I think a sign saying “MarDeteriorado” would be more apt. At least GIL cleaned the town up. Corruption is a way of life down here. Stay away if you don’t like it. As for the comments by councillor Enrique Monterroso, what else would one expect, from a quasi communist? Instead of restoring Marbella’s upmarket status, I’m sure he would rather give the money to unemployed layabouts.
I couldn’t fit “MarDeteriorado” in I’m afraid. So Gil cleaned the town up? Well, that makes it all ok then. lol.